Meet the team behind St Johns Foot Clinic

  • Virginia Bower

    Principal Podiatrist | BAppSc (Pod), MPH, Grad Cert HPE, ACNEM (member and fellowship candidate).

    With over thirty years of professional experience as a podiatrist, St Johns Foot Clinic Director, Virginia Bower has worked as a podiatrist in Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia and Singapore.

    Before founding St Johns Foot Clinic, Virginia established the first podiatry department at the Singapore General Hospital and was the Chief Podiatrist at Royal Perth Hospital before changing career to become an academic. Virginia’s last academic position was Associate Professor of Podiatric Medicine at the University of Western Australia where she coordinated the undergraduate podiatric medicine research units and the Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine Honours course.

    Virginia enjoys all aspects of podiatry but has extensive experience in chronic disease, particularly the management of diabetes and peripheral arterial disease. Virginia is also a certified Barefoot Rehabilitation Specialist with the Evidence Based Fitness Academy in New York and believes that foot pain must be addressed from both a biomechanical and neuromuscular perspective. In 2023 Virginia enrolled as a student with the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental medicine and is currently studying toward becoming a Fellow of the college. Virginia believes that good nutrition, exercise and sleep are key to managing all our health issues including foot and lower leg problems.

  • Jaimy Rigby

    Practice Manager

    Jaimy brings a wealth of experience to our team, having previously worked in both hospitality and the mining sector. Her warm disposition serves as the cornerstone of our clinic's inviting atmosphere, playing a pivotal role in maintaining the smooth operation of St Johns Foot Clinic.

    As a highly competent professional, Jaimy's amiable demeanor is perfectly suited to the bustling atmosphere of our waiting room. With adept multitasking abilities, she juggles various tasks including billing, managing phone calls, and engaging with patients to ensure they feel welcomed and comfortable within our clinic. Alongside her administrative practice management duties, Jaimy takes charge of our shoe store, collaborating with Matt and Ellen in fitting and ordering shoes for our valued clients.

    Currently pursuing a Certificate IV in Business, Jaimy's commitment to professional development underscores her dedication to her role within our practice. Although presently on parental leave, she is scheduled to rejoin our team in May 2024 after a six-month hiatus spent looking after her new little boy. We eagerly anticipate her return to our team, knowing that her friendly presence will continue to enhance the experience of all those who walk through our doors.

  • Matt James

    Clinical Receptionist

    Always approachable and ready to assist, Matt our clinical receptionist adeptly handles patient inquiries, whether it's managing phone calls, scheduling appointments, clarifying billing details, or navigating health fund and Medicare rebates.

    Known for his exceptional organisational skills, Matt ensures that every task is meticulously handled in a timely manner. Patients can also rest assured that he will patiently explain procedures and ensure they are provided with all the information they desire in a friendly and comforting manner.

    Originally hailing from Adelaide, Matt's journey led him through a distinguished 21-year career in the Defence Force (Army), where he honed his discipline and leadership skills. Relocating to Tasmania in 2005 to embark on a new chapter with his family, Matt served as the Finance Officer at a Catholic Primary School for 14 fulfilling years. His decision to return to Queensland in 2022 marked a turning point, eventually leading him back to our clinic's doorstep in 2023, much to our delight!

    Matt's impressive qualifications, including four Diplomas in Administration and a diverse array of accolades from his time in the Army, such as Parachutist, Marksman, MR Driver, and Bomb Disposal expert, underscore his dedication to excellence in all endeavors. Matt's congenial nature, coupled with his extensive experience and unwavering dedication, embodies the sense of professionalism and warmth we strive for within our St Johns Foot Clinic team.

  • Ellen Fairley

    Podiatry Assistant

    Ellen embodies a myriad of exceptional qualities that are essential to our practice at St Johns Foot Clinic. Ellen’s gentle demeanour is perfectly aligned with the demands of healthcare, with her background also adorned with valuable experience. Her extensive tenure in the disability sector, nurturing children with special needs, followed by her dedicated service in the aged care sector as a compassionate care assistant, has endowed her with a comprehensive skill set tailored to the care of vulnerable individuals.

    Within our practice, Ellen assumes a pivotal role in delivering hands-on clinical care and providing invaluable assistance during procedures. She’s also entrusted with the overarching responsibility for the well-being of our clients. Collaboratively with her peers, Jaimy and Matt, Ellen diligently upholds the standards of our sterilising room, ensuring a safe and sanitised environment for all.

    What truly sets Ellen apart is her unwavering composure, even amidst our busiest days or when faced with challenges posed by difficult situations. She serves as a steadfast pillar of support, readily available to aid both our team and patients alike whenever the need arises.